The measles outbreak that initially emerged in Gaines County, Texas, has now doubled, reaching a total of 48 confirmed cases, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The outbreak, first reported in late January, has seen a rapid increase in cases over the past week, highlighting the urgency of vaccination efforts and public health interventions.
Spread of the Outbreak
As of Friday, 42 of the confirmed measles cases are in Gaines County, with additional cases reported in surrounding areas. Terry County has recorded three cases, while Yoakum County and Lynn County have reported two and one cases, respectively. Given the highly contagious nature of measles, health officials anticipate further case increases in these counties and beyond.
In neighboring Lea County, New Mexico, two additional cases were confirmed on Friday, bringing the total count there to three. Health officials in New Mexico suspect that their outbreak is connected to the one in Texas, though investigations are ongoing.
Vaccination Gaps and High-Risk Populations
The Texas health department has confirmed that all of the individuals affected by the outbreak were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. The majority of cases involve children between the ages of 5 and 17, all of whom have shown symptoms within the past three weeks.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that presents with fever, rash, red eyes, and coughing. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and blindness can occur. The disease can also be fatal in extreme cases, making vaccinations crucial to community health.
Gaines County has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas, with nearly 18% of incoming kindergartners in the 2023-24 school year not receiving the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This significantly increases the risk of outbreaks and the rapid spread of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has repeatedly stressed that a minimum 95% vaccination coverage rate is necessary to prevent outbreaks in communities. However, the U.S. has fallen short of this threshold for the fourth consecutive year.
Response and Vaccination Efforts
To combat the outbreak, the Texas health department is working closely with local health agencies, including the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health, to contain the spread. In response to the crisis, a vaccine clinic hosted by the South Plains Public Health District in Gaines County has administered at least 80 free MMR vaccines in the past week. Due to increasing demand, the clinic will now operate seven days a week to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Public health officials in New Mexico are also ramping up efforts, offering free measles vaccinations at public health clinics in Lea County over the next two weeks. Authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine to provide full immunity against the virus.
Measles Cases on the Rise Nationwide
The Texas outbreak is part of a growing national trend. According to the CDC, there were 285 reported measles cases in the U.S. last year—the highest number since 2019. This year, cases have already been confirmed in multiple states, including Texas, Alaska, New Mexico, Georgia, Rhode Island, and New York City.
A key contributing factor to the resurgence of measles in the U.S. is the increasing number of vaccine exemptions. CDC data from October 2024 revealed that a record number of U.S. kindergartners—more than 125,000—lacked coverage for at least one state-mandated vaccine. This gap in immunization has heightened the risk of outbreaks, making it critical for communities to prioritize vaccination.
Public Health Officials Urge Immediate Action
With the outbreak continuing to spread, health experts are urging residents in Texas and New Mexico to get vaccinated immediately. “This is a preventable disease, and the best defense against it is the MMR vaccine,” said Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District. “We strongly encourage everyone, especially parents, to take advantage of the free vaccinations available.”
As public health authorities continue to monitor the situation, officials emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations to curb further spread. The situation remains fluid, with more daily news highlights expected in the coming days regarding containment efforts and new case reports.
For the latest updates on the outbreak and additional vaccination resources, residents are encouraged to follow state and local health department announcements. Staying informed with breaking news updates and adhering to public health guidelines is key to mitigating this growing health crisis.
